Central govt extends travel benefits to JK till 2014

GK NEWS NETWORK

Jammu, June 19: Central government has extended Leave Travel Concession (LTC) benefits to Jammu and Kashmir for its three million employees till 2014 – a move aimed at helping the state to boost its tourism industry. Though the scheme was to expire this month, the state government had requested the Union Ministry of Personnel and Training to extend the benefits for another two years. The move will allow all categories of central government employees to travel to Jammu and Kashmir by air, using either Air India or private airlines. But, they can travel only in 'Economy Class', irrespective of their entitlement. “We have seen number of central government employees visiting the state of Jammu and Kashmir on vacation during the last two years”, an official in the General Administrative Department said adding, “The number increased this year as compared to last year and more extension in the scheme will surely help the state economy”. A circular issued by the Union Ministry says the central government employee who wish to travel under the scheme will, however, to buy their Air tickets in 'Economy Class' "either directly from the Airlines (booking counters/website) or through authorized agents only like Balmer Lawrie and Co. Ltd. or Ashok Travels and Tours Ltd./IRCTC". An official explained that the government employees can, under the Rules, travel in private Airlines, but they would be entitled for concession to the extent what they get by travelling public sector airline (Air India) which is referred as LTC-80 Tickets. He said: "This provision, however, does not deter them, travelling private Airlines as cost of ticket is invariably lesser that the Air India LTC-80 Tickets".

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